How Activism Changed My Life

I’ve always considered myself politically aware, engaged in the world around me. I think it’s just who I am – excessively inquisitive. I question everything (my husband thinks I ask too many questions, he’s so wrong by the way). I love research and reading and being informed of local, national and world news.

But then something changed. I don’t know if it was the political climate at the time, about 2.5 years ago, or that mythological wisdom that comes with moving into your 4thdecade on earth. Either way, I took my politically aware self to a new “on steroids” type level. And it changed my entire life, for the better.

For the first time in my life, I felt like I was doing something meaningful.

Over the last couple years, I have become increasingly engaged in activism in many forms. Being married and a mom of two boys, and holding down a very demanding full-time marketing job, I realize there are ebbs and flows in how much I can do and when I can do it. So it’s important never to feel like you’re not doing enough. Trust me, you are.

But I learned even the littlest of things, like using your voice to speak out to your local state representatives and senators or members of Congress, mattered. A lot. Participating in a local march for science, or women, or whatever it is that you believe in, mattered. Being a part of the conversation, somehow, somewhere. It matters.

I’m here to tell you, that in this interesting and often overwhelming time we live in, you can do something that matters. And you can be a part of affecting change through activism, on many levels. It’s a little intimidating at first, but you know what they say…

Take, for instance, the latest school shooting tragedy in Parkland, FL. It’s sad to even say that “…the latest school shooting…” It has young people using their voice and their platform to push for stronger gun control and truly addressing mental health issues in our country. It’s inspired so many others to do the same. It’s really a beautiful thing to witness. Remember the 60s? It was the beginning of a revolution. I believe we’re witnessing a renaissance of that same inspired activism.

You can get involved too, no matter where you live.

Nearly 600 walk-outs are being planned across the country on March 24th in support of the March for Our Lives initiative. There are other walk-out events taking place on different dates, including March 14th, here in Flagstaff at several schools. Make your voice heard. Roll up your sleeves and get to work. It’s sometimes thankless work, but it sure is fulfilling, kind of like being a mom. I get you. And just think of the role model you can be to your children.

If you live here in Northern AZ and want to get more involved and up your activism game, I recommend checking out Together We Will Northern Arizona or the Flagstaff’s chapter of Moms Demand Action. Both organizations are national in scope so no matter where you live, you can likely find a chapter nearby you. If those aren’t your jam, get in touch with your local political party headquarters to find out how you can support them in their efforts.

2 Responses to How Activism Changed My Life

What’s even worse is that you can’t say Parkland is the latest school shooting. It didn’t even take a week…
Thank you for sharing Heather. We’ve taken our daughter to a few rallies but it is easy to feel weighed down by the lack of change.

I know. What is this world we live in? I give up motivation every once in a while, that sense of overwhelm. And sometimes that I can’t change anything. But then I have seen change due to many people doing little things. I try to remember that.

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